A series of short films focusing on various McKees Rocks area manufacturers and “makers,” as they are referred to in the films, premiered at Stowe’s Parkway Theater & Film Lounge April 11.

The shorts, a series of films entitled “Making It…In McKees Rocks,” tell the stories of area businesses, including Lane Steel, Ace Wire and Spring and Abjuration Brew Co. The films were created as part of a larger push by the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation to promote the Sto-Rox communities and bring more companies and new residents to the area. Gazette 2.0 was another of the featured “makers” in the series.

“I love what’s happening here. I love that they opened this theater and that they are going to be opening the Roxian Theatre,” said Julie Bruno, who thinks the campaign is a wonderful idea and can’t wait to see more improvements in the area. “Ace Wire has been there since 1936. It’s a family business and it’s great that they were featured.”

Bruno handles accounts payable at Ace Wire and can be seen in the film featuring her employer. She was one of several featured employees who joined with local politicians, business owners, residents and others to catch the debut. Notably in attendance were Marie Incorvati, Stowe Township’s retiring secretary; Mayor Jack Muhr and Bill Beck, former McKees Rocks secretary.

Stay tuned! Our Making It In McKees Rocks series of video shorts is about to drop. We will be adding new videos at regular intervals … be sure to check back for new ones! Please share and help us "make" everyone notice what's going on here in McKees Rocks! Let the making begin!#MakingItInMcKeesRocks

Taris Vrcek, executive director of the CDC, emceed the event, introducing contributors and others before explaining the thought process behind the films.

“This is part of our strategy,” said Vrcek. “It is a central part of us rebranding this community and changing perceptions. A lot of us know that McKees Rocks doesn’t always get mentioned in the best light. It’s really a shame because things that happen every day in this community, the really exciting and innovative things, don’t get talked about.”

The series is the direct result of suggestions made by real estate and land-use experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) who spent a week in McKees Rocks during the fall of 2016 to provide advice on the best ways to rebuild and develop key areas of the town. A $100,000 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development allowed for the visit to occur.

“The ULI suggested that McKees Rocks embrace its grittiness and market to the small manufacturers, ‘makers’ as they are called now,” said George “Spike” Riel of Rockerfeller Communications, the film production company.

Riel, who at the time of ULI’s visit was council president in McKees Rocks, was in on discussions as to how best accomplish some of the goals set forth by the Washington, D.C. based group.

A marketer at heart, Riel came up with the concept behind the “making it” campaign.

“Steel, beer, whatever these businesses happen to be making… Let’s feature the invisible people, the people that weren’t on the news this morning,” said Riel.

The films will be released on a regular basis on social media platforms like Facebook to promote and draw new business and workers to the area. Additional segments are in the works.

The first installment will continue to be shown in its entirety at community events, too.

Riel asks that people share the films whenever they see them on social media. “Share it with your friends and neighbors and let’s show McKees Rocks off and let’s show them what other people are doing in McKees Rocks, in the “Making It” spirit.